Information Blessington Ireland
Blessington’s population was expected to double between 2006 and 2012, and the population had been expanding in a similar fashion in previous years. However, in recessionary times, with the devaluation of property and unemployment high in Ireland, things are less certain and the County Wicklow village may have to wait a few years for a similar increase. Blessington’s famed lakes are within walking distance of the town. The Blessington Lakes are actually artificial, created by a damming of the River Liffey as a reservoir developed by Ireland’s national electricity board to provide hydroelectric power. It also services the local area as far as Dublin with water. The remains of a village were submerged during the creation of the reservoir, and the remnants of roads still exist that eerily lead into the water. A luxury hotel development is located nearby, and includes a helipad. The town was originally known as Munfine and in the Middle Ages was held by the Lord of Threecastles. By the end of the seventeenth century it had moved from the family of the Cheevers to the family of Michael Boyle, Dublin archbishop and Lord Chancellor of Ireland. It was Boyle who had the political connections to establish the town after a Royal Charter. Blessington House and St Mary’s Church were both built by 1683. Interestingly, generations of the Boyle family were heirless, leaving the estate to sisters and great grandsons rather than sons, only passing out of family hands in 1908. In terms of public transport, Blessington is served only by buses today, although until 1932 it was served by a tram that linked it to Terenure and Tallaght (both outside Dublin) by steam tram and then on to Dublin by horse tram.
Attractions Blessington Ireland
Butterfly Farm - Straffan
Located at Ovidstown, Straffan, come and walk through a tropical Butterfly House with colourful butterflies flying around you. View a collection of reptiles, stick insects, tarantulas and bird eating spiders - safely behind glass! You can also learn about the interesting life and conservation of butterflies in the Exhibition centre, featuring butterfly collections.
Castletown House - Celbridge
Located at Celbridge, the most significant Palladian style country house in Ireland. Built c.1722 for the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, William Connolly, the designs of a number of important architects were used, notably Alessandro Galilei, Sir Edward Lovett Pearce and later Sir William Chambers. The entire estate was sold by the Connolly-Carew family in 1965, and in 1967 the house and some parkland were purchased by Hon Desmond Guinness. Both Mr Guinness and subsequently the Castletown Foundation, who acquired the house in 1979, devoted considerable effort and resources to the maintenance and restoration of the principal rooms.
Celbridge Abbey - Celbridge
Located at Clane Road, Celbridge and set amid the magnificent Celbridge Abbey Grounds, features of the abbey include historical guided tours, nature study tours, flora and fauna, themed walks and a model railway. There's also a restaurant, children's playground, natural woodland gardens and garden centre.
Coolcarrigan House & Gardens - Naas
Located at Naas, these gardens are approached by a long, woodland avenue with a large collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. The formal gardens around the house have a good herbaceous border, rockeries and fine Victorian greenhouse. The rest of the garden, divided by various paths and covering some eight acres, has a very interesting collection of shrubs and trees, mostly chosen by plantsman, Sir Harold Hillier.
Peatland World Museum - Rathangan
Located at Lullymore, Rathangan, you can explore the fascinating history and science of Ireland's boglands at Peatlands World Museum. Housed in a beautifully restored nineteenth century courtyard, it helps to explain the development of bogs, their exploitation and future importance. A series of trails have been established around the centre and guided walks are offered to visitors.
